Carlos Ruiz caught six innings Saturday night with Double-A Reading, hopped in a car and rode to New York for his first start of the 2013 season.

Ruiz, who served a 25-game suspension for a positive banned stimulant test, will hit in the middle of the order, according to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

“We need him back. We’re going to get better when he comes back,” Manuel said.

With the addition of Ruiz, either Erik Kratz or Humberto Quintero must be jettisoned from the major-league roster. Kratz still has a minor-league option left, and could be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Quintero, signed in the offseason, has no options and must either remain on the major-league roster or be released.